Mortgage Basics

It can be difficult to know where to start when considering buying a home. Last month, we focused on tips for first-time homebuyers, explained how credit works and shared steps for setting budgets. This month, we’ll continue with mortgage basics, dream home wish lists, what you’ll need for a loan application and what documentation to keep after your loan closes. Let’s start with some basic mortgage terms. Mortgage terminology can feel like a foreign language. You may be wondering what “amortization,” “discount points” or “escrow” means. Visit our glossary for a quick guide to these and other mortgage terms.